DAR File No. 39481

Transportation, Operations, Traffic and Safety

Rule R920-1

Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 39481
Filed: 06/30/2015 11:56:25 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate by reference and adopt updates to the 2009 edition of the Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Utah MUTCD) published 06/30/2015. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has performed a thorough review of the 2009 edition of Part 7 of the Utah MUTCD and made approximately 168 edits to previously text. Almost all of the edits are to correct typographic and grammatical errors, which are clearly nonsubstantive changes. However, some of the edits change requirements for placement of the flashing beacons on a reduced speed school zone. These beacons were formerly required to be placed horizontally, and are now required to be mounted vertically. This change in placement does not change the requirement to use flashing beacons. Sign designs are also updated to current federal requirements, but the requirement to use them has not changed either. This updated version of the Utah MUTCD places no additional burden on the state or local government authorities.

Summary of the rule or change:

This amendment is to incorporate by reference and adopt updates to the 2009 edition of Part 7 of the Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Utah MUTCD) published 06/30/2015.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 41-6a-301

This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:

• Updates The Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by UDOT, 06/30/2015

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

This amendment will not affect the state budget because it is made only for the purpose of updating requirements already in place and making technical corrections to material that Rule R920-1 incorporates by reference.

local governments:

This amendment will not affect local government budgets because it is made only for the purpose of updating requirements already in place and making technical corrections to material that Rule R920-1 incorporates by reference.

small businesses:

This amendment will not cause any additional costs of savings for small businesses because it is made only for the purpose of updating requirements already in place and making technical corrections to material that Rule R920-1 incorporates by reference.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

This amendment will not cost or save the general public anything because it is made only for the purpose of updating requirements already in place and making technical corrections to material that Rule R920-1 incorporates by reference.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Affected persons will not experience any additional costs because the updates only change the way flashing beacons are installed and the design of signs that are installed going forward. Part 7 of the Utah MUTCD already requires placement of the flashing beacons and signs.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

UDOT has performed a thorough review of the 2009 edition of Part 7 of the Utah MUTCD and edited this part of the manual to conform to current federal requirements and make technical corrections. The Department performs similar reviews of IRS regulatory materials periodically to assure that its regulations conform to current federal law. This amendment to Rule R920-1 places no additional burden on the state or local government authorities, small businesses, or the general public.

Carlos Braceras, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Transportation
Operations, Traffic and Safety
CALVIN L RAMPTON COMPLEX
4501 S 2700 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84119-5998

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• James Palmer at the above address, by phone at 801-965-4000, by FAX at 801-965-4338, or by Internet E-mail at jimpalmer@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

08/14/2015

This rule may become effective on:

08/24/2015

Authorized by:

Carlos Braceras, Executive Director

R920. Transportation, Operations, Traffic and Safety.

R920-1. Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

R920-1-1. Purpose and Authority.

The purpose of this rule is to adopt standards and establish specifications for a uniform system of traffic-control devices used on all highways open to public travel, to establish criteria and specifications for the establishment, location, and operation of school crosswalks, school zones, and reduced speed school zones, and to establish specifications for uniform signage or markings to clearly identify school bus parking zones. This rule is authorized and required by Sections 41-6a-301, 41-6a-303 and 41-6a-1307.

 

R920-1-2. Incorporation.

Incorporated by reference is the Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2009 Edition with revisions through [December 2011]June 30, 2015 (Utah MUTCD). This manual was determined to be in substantial conformance with the 2009 MUTCD by the Federal Highway Administrator which, in accordance with Title 23, U.S. Code, Section 655, is the standard for all highways open to public travel in accordance with Title 23, U.S. Code, Sections 109(d) and 402(a). Included in Part 7 of the Utah MUTCD is the Utah Traffic Controls for School Zones establishing the criteria and specifications authorized and required by Sections 41-6a-303 and 41-6a-1307.

 

R920-1-3. Authority of Executive Director or Designee.

All authority shall rest with the Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director or his designee to develop or modify the Utah MUTCD, including the Utah Traffic Controls for School Zones, as the standard for all highways open to public travel in Utah.

 

KEY: traffic control, pedestrians, school zones, traffic signs

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [October 23, 2012]2015

Notice of Continuation: August 1, 2012

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 41-6a-301; 41-6a-303; 41-6a-1307